All posts tagged: Family-Friendly Chickens

January Farm Update

January 15, 2026 alchemist_farm Farm News

January Farm Update

Hey there, this is Franchesca: Alchemist Farm‘s head chicken wrangler 🙂

This blog post is separated into two sections, a “short of it” for folks who like a 2 minute read and a “long of it” for folks who like a bit of a more robust update 🙂

I am so honored to start another season with you all, thank you for being here with us as we continue to pioneer humane treatment of chickens!

The short of it:

Our first hatch of 2026 and weekly pickups will begin Feb 17th which is also the start of Lunar new year (that’s pretty cool!) shipments will begin March 24th 2026. If you look at our master list of breed availability for shipping we may look like we are sold out – just push the calendar forward to March 24th and beyond and you will start to see shipping dates available.

Our breed highlight for January are our Heritage Welsummers because they started laying first out of all of our breeds and they loved running around in the rain no matter how hard it came down. They are a no fuss incredible breed that deserves a space in everyones backyard flock 🙂

New years health shifts: our family has been doing a deep dive on red-light therapy and after a lot of research we landed on Lumebox to use at home. It has been a game changer for all of our health, this link will get you $260 off if you want to try it for yourself!

The long of it:

scroll down below 🙂

The longer update:

The Land: We had an unseasonably warm December with gentle rains that made for some epic pasture growing weather. Our whole farm is a lush green as our rye seed is bursting forth reaching to the sky and welcoming the birds to come scratch and look for bugs. In December Ryan and I also built a nice new coop thanks to some help from a grant from the Pine Cone Foundation. We finished just in time before some major storms blew in! The birds were slowly shaking off the rains this week and were happily dust bathing and stretching out in the sun.

Rhythms: January is a really sweet month here for us on the farm. It is a big time of transitions. The farm chores are quietly happening in the background but the hatchery itself is hibernating. All of our incubators and hatchers are quiet, taking their rest before we start them up at the end of this month.

December was wet wet wet. Our children were home from school for a nice long stretch and we got to hunker down with them while the big rains blew in, we lost power but thankfully no incubators were running so we could just enjoy being inside with candlelight on Christmas Eve. We said goodbye to 2025 through New Years we pondered the previous year and made a nice long list of intentions as a north star for the upcoming year. I believe 2026 is going to be a beautiful year here on the land and I am so grateful to have you with us, we are here because of your support of our family and farm, thank you so much!

Health: Each year we focus on making at least one healthy shift in our lives. This year I did a deep dive into the positive effects of sunlight and the negative effects of short wave light (including screens and other blue light). Simply put, we humans live our best lives when we get to be outside the bulk of the day (this is why we love having chickens to care for) but what about the days that are spent inside or folks who rarely get outside? Really compelling studies are coming out that Near Infrared Light and red light therapy can have massive health benefits to combat the excess hours most of us spend inside and away from sunlight. Now I know it sounds like I am about to put on a tin foil hat here but stay with me! Dr. Glen Jeffery is the leading scientist who has done all sorts of studies on proper dosage red light therapy and how it helps the mitochondria of our cells. His academic papers are dense but he gives a good interview that I found easy to follow. 🙂 After a whole lot of research and wading through the sea of redlight therapy devices offered on the marked I landed on using the Lumebox for our family. I use it for days I did not get outside and was doing a lot of computer work, digestion support, any sign of starting to get sick (if you have littles in your house you know this is a constant), needing to wind down at the end of the day or if I have inflammation from intense days of farm work (hello building new coops in record time!). The lumebox is actually 3rd party tested and it packs a serious health punch, I was blown away by how immediately I felt the positive effects of it. Using this link gets you $260 off. Let me know if you tried it and how you liked it!

Prayer: Prayer is a constant for me on the farm, I am always asking for guidance on how to best care for the natural world and speak on its behalf. January is a particularly focused time of deep prayer for us as we set ourselves up for the hatching season. We pray for the health of our flocks, the health of our team that helps us and we pray for everyone that we get to share our chicks with because we are all connected in such beautiful ways that we do not yet understand. If you are someone who would like to be added to our prayer list, it would be an honor to pray for you or whatever life is bringing your way. When folks ask for prayer I add them to my morning/evening prayer list, it is another layer of depth and connection that I appreciate, I am here if that calls to your heart!

Some resources you may find helpful:

As you get ready to plan your 2026 season here are some infrastructure things that I have found so useful for caring for my flocks:

Avaplex: a power gut health booster for your flock that ACTUALLY works. There is so much out there in the world that is geared toward chicken keepers that is not effective but this formulation has been lovely for keeping all my birds robust and strong throughout the seasons.

Roll Away Nesting Boxes: These are some super sturdy ones from Hen Gear that will keep your eggs clean and prevent your ladies from roosting in the nesting boxes themselves. Use code “Alchemist” for 10% off.

Calcified Seaweed from LitChicks and I am seeing good results with my flocks, they have nice thick shells and all the ladies seemed to be more comfortable during our high heat waves. If you use the code “AlchemistFarm” you get 10% off any orders for life, if you go for a subscription they will give you free shipping – I like the size and shape of the calcified seaweed, it can easily double as grit for adult birds 🙂

If you made it to the end of this newsletter you are my long form communication people! I hope this month brings you deep nourishment, inspiration and moments of joy as you begin your year 🙂

The Ultimate Guide to Chicken Keeping: Build Your Perfect Flock with Us, Alchemist Farm

February 24, 2025 alchemist_farm Uncategorized

Chicken keeping is more than just a hobby—it’s a fulfilling lifestyle that connects you to nature, provides fresh eggs, and creates a sustainable backyard ecosystem. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned enthusiast, there’s always something new to learn about raising happy and healthy chickens. At Alchemist Farm, we’re here to guide you every step of the way, offering ethical breeding practices and a variety of unique chicken breeds to help you build the backyard flock of your dreams.

Why Start Chicken Keeping?

Chicken keeping offers a wealth of benefits for you and your family:

Fresh Eggs: Enjoy eggs in stunning colors like chocolate brown, olive green, and sky blue straight from your backyard.
Sustainability: Chickens help reduce food waste and enrich your garden with nutrient-rich compost.
Companionship: Many chicken breeds are friendly and make excellent pets for kids and adults alike.
Pest Control: Chickens naturally forage, helping to keep insects and weeds at bay.

Choosing the Right Breeds for Chicken Keeping

The success of your chicken-keeping journey starts with selecting the best breeds for your goals. Here are some of the top breeds available at Alchemist Farm:

1. French Blue Copper and Black Copper Marans

Renowned for their deep chocolate-colored eggs, Marans chickens are calm, hardy, and visually striking. The French Blue Copper Marans feature gorgeous blue feathers with copper accents, while the Black Copper Marans shimmer with black and copper tones.

Why They’re Perfect for Chicken Keepers:

Prolific egg layers with unique egg colors.
Adaptable to various climates.

Bring Home Marans: French Blue Copper Marans | French Black Copper Marans

2. Olive Eggers

Add vibrant olive-green eggs to your collection with these friendly and hardy chickens. Olive Eggers are a hybrid breed that thrives in confined and free-range setups.

Why They’re Perfect for Chicken Keepers:

Unique egg colors add variety to your basket.
Low-maintenance and family-friendly.

Get Yours Here: Olive Egger Chicks

3. Heritage Welsummers

Heritage Welsummers are loved for their stunning speckled brown eggs and vibrant golden-brown plumage. They are excellent foragers and adapt well to backyard environments.

Why They’re Perfect for Chicken Keepers:

Beautiful egg colors and patterns.
Hardy and self-sufficient.

Order Welsummers: Heritage Welsummer Chicks

4. Alchemist Blues and Azure Eggers

Our Alchemist Blues and Azure Eggers are top picks for chicken keepers looking for eye-catching eggs in greenish-blue shades. These calm and friendly chickens are ideal for families.

Why They’re Perfect for Chicken Keepers:

Stunning egg colors.
Gentle and easy to handle.

Find Them Here: Alchemist Blues | Azure Eggers

5. Sage Eggers

Sage Eggers brings a whimsical touch to your flock with their light green, speckled eggs. Their curious and friendly nature makes them a joy to raise.

Why They’re Perfect for Chicken Keepers:

Unique and charming egg colors.
Adaptable to various backyard setups.

Discover Sage Eggers: Sage Egger Chicks

6. Silkies

Silkies are beloved for their fluffy feathers and sweet personalities. While they aren’t prolific layers, their companionship and charm make them a wonderful addition to any backyard flock.

Why They’re Perfect for Chicken Keepers:

Friendly and great with kids.
Unique appearance adds character to your flock.

Meet Silkies: Silkie Chicks

Tips for Successful Chicken Keeping

Set Up a Proper Coop: Provide a safe, dry, and clean space for your chickens to roost and lay eggs.
Feed a Balanced Diet: Use high-quality feed and always provide access to fresh water.
Encourage Foraging: Let your chickens roam and forage for insects, which benefits their health and reduces garden pests.
Interact Regularly: Spend time with your chickens to build trust and enjoy their companionship.
Monitor Health: Watch for signs of illness and provide timely care to ensure your flock stays healthy.

Why Choose Us for Chicken Keeping?

At Alchemist Farm, we’re committed to ethical and sustainable breeding practices, offering high-quality chicks and unparalleled support for chicken keepers. Here’s what sets us apart:

Ethical Breeding: Our chicks are raised with care and respect.
Sustainability: From organic feed to eco-friendly shipping, we prioritize sustainability.
Customer Support: We’re here to answer your questions and provide guidance every step of the way.

Ready to Start Your Chicken Keeping Journey?

Whether you’re looking for colorful eggs, friendly companions, or a sustainable backyard ecosystem, chicken keeping is an enriching experience. Explore our diverse, unique breeds and start building your dream flock today.

Visit Alchemist Farm and let us help you create the perfect backyard flock!

Rare Breed Chickens: Transforming Urban Chicken Farming with Alchemist Farm

February 10, 2025 alchemist_farm Uncategorized

Urban chicken farming is more than a trend; it’s a movement that connects city dwellers to sustainable living, fresh eggs, and unique companions. At Alchemist Farm, we specialize in rare breed chickens that bring charm, productivity, and variety to urban chicken keeping. Whether starting your first coop or expanding your flock, our ethically bred rare chickens are perfect for small spaces and city settings.

Why Choose Rare Breed Chickens?

Rare breed chickens offer benefits that go beyond the ordinary. Here’s why they’re a must-have for urban chicken farming:

Unique Egg Colors: Rare breeds often lay eggs in stunning shades, from chocolate brown to mossy green and sky blue.
Distinctive Personalities: Rare chickens bring charm and diversity to your flock.
Heritage Preservation: Keeping rare breeds supports genetic diversity and preserves these remarkable birds for future generations.
Compact and Hardy: Many rare breeds are well-suited to urban environments, thriving in smaller spaces.

Top Rare Breed Chickens for Urban Chicken Keeping

Alchemist Farm offers 16 unique breeds, each with its own charm and suitability for urban settings. Here are some of our favorites:

1. Bearded D’anvers

A pint sized breed that is quiet, personable and suited to very small urban backyards.

They lay lovely little white eggs at a generous rate throughout the year.

Get Our Bearded D’Anvers Here: Bearded D’Anvers Chicks.

2. Olive Eggers

A hybrid breed known for their vibrant olive-green eggs, Olive Eggers, are friendly and hardy, thriving in confined spaces.

Why They’re Perfect for Urban Chicken Farmers:

Unique egg colors.
Adaptable to small spaces.

Get Olive Eggers Here: Olive Egger Chicks

3. Heritage Welsummers

Heritage Welsummers lay speckled brown eggs and bring vibrant personality to any flock. They’re excellent foragers, even in small backyards.

Why They’re Perfect for Urban Chicken Farmers:

Compact size and friendly disposition.
Beautiful, speckled eggs.

Order Welsummers: Heritage Welsummer Chicks

4. Sage Eggers

Sage Eggers are celebrated for their light green, speckled eggs. These curious and gentle birds are ideal for city living.

Why They’re Perfect for Urban Chicken Farmers:

Compact and easy to handle.
Stunning egg colors.

Discover Sage Eggers: Sage Egger Chicks

5. Alchemist Blues and Azure Eggers

Alchemist Blues and Azure Eggers are known for their gorgeous greenish-blue eggs and friendly nature. These birds thrive in confined spaces, making them a top choice for urban farmers.

Why They’re Perfect for Urban Chicken Farmers:

Stunning egg colors.
Calm and quiet demeanor.

Order Today: Alchemist Blues | Azure Eggers

6. Silkies

Silkies are the perfect pet chickens, thanks to their fluffy feathers and sweet personalities. While they’re not prolific egg layers, their charm makes them beloved additions to any urban flock.

Why They’re Perfect for Urban Chicken Farmers:

Quiet and friendly.
Great for families with children.

Meet Silkies: Silkie Chicks

Tips for Urban Chicken Farming

To make the most of chicken keeping in the city, follow these tips:

Choose Compact Breeds: Select smaller and quieter breeds, ideal for close neighbors.
Maximize Vertical Space: Use multi-level perches and feeders to optimize space in small coops.
Provide Enrichment: Keep your chickens entertained with dust baths, toys, and areas for scratching.
Secure Your Coop: Urban predators like raccoons and cats can be a threat, so ensure your coop is predator-proof.
Build Community: Share eggs and chicken-keeping tips with neighbors to foster goodwill.

Join the Alchemist Farm Community

We’re more than a hatchery—we’re a community passionate about sustainable farming and rare breed preservation. Here’s how you can connect with us:

Virtual Classes: Learn more about chicken keeping and rare breed preservation through our online classes and live video calls.
Newsletter: Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive tips and farm updates.
Social Media: Follow us for inspiration and advice:
- Facebook
- Instagram
- TikTok
- YouTube

Ready to Build Your Urban Flock?

Rare breed chickens are the perfect way to add beauty, productivity, and sustainability to urban chicken farming. At Alchemist Farm, we offer a curated selection of breeds raised with care and love, ensuring your flock thrives in any environment.

Visit Alchemist Farm today to explore our rare breeds and start your urban chicken keeping journey!

Why the Alchemist Farm Is the Best Hatchery to Buy Chicks Online

February 7, 2025 alchemist_farm Uncategorized

Finding the best chicken hatchery online can feel overwhelming with so many options available. At Alchemist Farm, we pride ourselves on standing out as a trusted, ethical, and women-owned hatchery offering a unique selection of breeds. Whether you’re a seasoned chicken keeper or just starting your flock, we’re here to provide healthy chicks, expert advice, and a seamless online shopping experience.

What Makes Us the Best Hatchery to Buy Chicks Online?

We understand that choosing the right chicken hatchery online is a critical step in building a thriving flock. Here’s what sets Alchemist Farm apart:

Ethical Breeding Practices: We raise our chicks with love and care, ensuring their health and happiness.
Sustainability: From organic feed to eco-friendly packaging, we prioritize practices that benefit the environment.
Unique Breeds: Our curated selection of chickens includes rare and colorful egg layers that add beauty and productivity to your flock.
Expert Guidance: With virtual classes, live video calls, and personalized support, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Top Chicken Breeds Available Online at Alchemist Farm

We offer a diverse range of 16 breeds to suit every backyard and farming need. Here is the list of the unique breeds that we offer:

1. French Blue Copper and Black Copper Marans

Known for their rich chocolate-colored eggs, these striking birds are a favorite for backyard chicken keepers. The French Blue Copper Marans feature stunning slate-blue feathers with copper highlights, while the Black Copper Marans have shimmering black plumage with copper accents.

Order Yours Today: French Blue Copper Marans | French Black Copper Marans

2. Azure Eggers

Azure Eggers are hardy, friendly chickens that lay gorgeous blue-green eggs. These birds thrive in diverse environments and are a joy to raise.

Add Them to Your Flock: Azure Eggers Female | Azure Eggers Male

3. Alchemist Blues

Alchemist Blues are a beautiful addition to any flock. They are bred for their consistent temperament and vibrant egg colors. They lay stunning greenish-blue eggs and are easy to handle.

Bring Home Alchemist Blues: Alchemist Blues Female | Alchemist Blues Male

4. Heritage Welsummers

Heritage Welsummers are celebrated for their speckled brown eggs and golden-brown feathers. They are hardy, excellent foragers, and a joy to keep.

Order Heritage Welsummers: Heritage Welsummer Chicks

5. Double Silver Laced Barnevelders

With intricate lace-like feather patterns and cream-colored eggs, Double Silver Laced Barnevelders bring elegance and productivity to your flock.

Order Yours Today: Double Silver Laced Barnevelder Chicks

6. Sage Eggers

Sage Eggers brings light green, speckled eggs to your basket. They are curious, friendly, and perfect for backyard chicken enthusiasts.

Get Your Sage Eggers: Sage Egger Chicks

7. German Bielefelders

German Bielefelders are a dual-purpose breed known for their large brown eggs and calm temperament. These auto-sexing chickens make flock management easier.

Add Them to Your Coop: German Bielefelder Female | German Bielefelder Male

8. Olive Eggers

Olive Eggers are a hybrid breed that produces beautiful olive-green eggs. Hardy and friendly, these chickens are perfect for families and backyard setups.

Add Olive Eggers to Your Flock: Olive Egger Chicks

9. Alchemist Eggers

Alchemist Eggers are among the most versatile chickens. They lay eggs in shades of blue, green, and lavender. Their calm and friendly nature makes them ideal for families.

Meet Alchemist Eggers: Alchemist Egger Chicks

10. Isbar

Isbars, also known as Silverudd’s Blue, lay medium green-tinted eggs and have a friendly disposition. They thrive in free-range environments and bring unique charm to your flock.

Order Isbars Today: Isbar Chicks

11. Silkies

Silkies are a family favorite due to their fluffy feathers and affectionate nature. While they aren’t prolific egg layers, their charm makes them a must-have for backyard flocks.

Meet Our Silkies: Silkie Chicks

12. Bantam Cochins

Bantam Cochins are known for their small size and friendly temperament. These chickens are excellent companions and add personality to any flock.

Discover Bantam Cochins: Bantam Cochins

13. Serama

Seramas are the smallest breed of chicken in the world, making them a delightful addition to any backyard. They are friendly, easy to handle, and full of personality.

Bring Home Seramas: Serama Chicks

14. Moss Eggers

Moss Eggers are unique for their mossy-green egg colors and hardy nature. They’re great foragers and excellent additions to regenerative farming systems.

Order Moss Eggers: Moss Egger Chicks

15. Bearded d’Anvers

Bearded d’Anvers are known for their distinctive beard and compact size. These friendly chickens are ideal for small spaces and bring charm to any flock.

Add Bearded d’Anvers to Your Flock: Bearded d’Anvers Chicks

Tips for Buying Chicks Online

Research Breeds: Choose breeds that suit your climate, space, and goals.
Plan Your Coop: Ensure your chickens have a safe and comfortable home upon arrival.
Trust Reputable Hatcheries: Select hatcheries like Alchemist Farm that prioritize the health and well-being of their chicks.
Prepare for Arrival: Have a brooder, heat source, feed, and water ready before your chicks arrive.
Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to contact us for advice or assistance.

Join the Alchemist Farm Community

We’re more than just a hatchery—we’re a community of chicken keepers passionate about sustainability and ethical farming. Here’s how you can connect with us:

Virtual Classes: Learn chicken keeping and farming tips through our online classes and live video calls.
Newsletter: Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive tips and updates.
Social Media: Follow us for inspiration and advice:
- Facebook
- Instagram
- TikTok
- YouTube

Why We Are Your Best Choice for Buying Chicks Online

When searching for the best hatchery online, Alchemist Farm stands out for its commitment to quality, sustainability, and customer satisfaction. We’re here to make chicken keeping accessible, enjoyable, and rewarding for everyone.

Visit Alchemist Farm today to browse our breeds and start your chicken-keeping journey!